Sports Medicine and Exercise Science Career Opportunities

Clinical Experience

One of the most valuable courses students will take as a part of the Sports Medicine & Exercise Science curriculum is SME 470 Pre-professional Clinical Experience. This course, which is typically spread out over the junior and senior years, allows students to observe professionals in the field. We send students to a variety of locations, including physical and occupational therapy clinics, athletic training venues, strength and conditioning facilities, hospitals, and research labs. One of the unique things about Jackson is that it serves as a medical hub, with numerous rehabilitation clinics, multiple hospitals, and other sports medicine facilities located within just a few miles of Belhaven’s campus. Through the Clinical Experience, students will accumulate approximately 150-200 hours of observation. These hours not only make our majors more competitive when applying to graduate school, but they also help students to understand the job duties of professionals working in this field.

Sports Medicine & Exercise Science (SPEX) Club

Our sponsored departmental club, SPEX Club, typically meets every other week, and allows our majors the opportunity to fellowship with one another and enjoy refreshments as the faculty disseminates important departmental information. We often have guest speakers who offer students valuable insights into the Sports Medicine/Exercise Science world. Each semester, the SPEX Club engages in service projects (ranging from leaf raking, to house painting, to Christmas decorating), allowing our students the opportunity to reach out and serve their community.

Research

Once students have developed a solid educational foundation as underclassmen, they get the opportunity to apply that knowledge in a practical manner through research projects. Upperclassmen will participate in at least two major research projects in which they gain experience developing and conducting scientific studies. Students will get to explore topics of interests spanning the exercise sciences, from exercise physiology to nutrition to biomechanics.